A fresh look at the life and legacy of the iconic artist Leonardo da Vinci, positing that he was a gay outsider who used his work as a way of hiding his true self. Each episode will examine one of da Vinci’s artworks for hidden clues about a tortured artist struggling for perfection.
A fresh look at the life and legacy of the iconic artist Leonardo da Vinci, positing that he was a gay outsider who used his work as a way of hiding his true self. Each episode will examine one of da Vinci’s artworks for hidden clues about a tortured artist struggling for perfection.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Episode 1
53m5.5 / 10
In Milan, in 1506, Leonardo da Vinci is arrested on charges of having poisoned Caterina da Cremona. After declaring his innocence to Stefano Giraldi, an official of the Podestà, Leonardo recalls his days as an apprentice in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, where he first met the model Caterina.
Episode credits
Directed by Daniel PercivalWritten by Steve Thompson, Frank SpotnitzGuest stars Antonio De Matteo, Andrew Knott, Giancarlo Giannini, Gabriel Lo Giudice, Robin Renucci, Alessandro Sperduti, Sergio Albelli, Anton Alexander
As Leonardo's achievements are recognized and his reputation grows, one risky decision could destroy everything he has worked for. When an unforeseen situation further undermines his reputation as an artist, he sets his sights on the Duchy of Milan and leaves Florence.
Episode credits
Directed by Daniel PercivalWritten by Frank SpotnitzGuest stars Andrew Knott, Giancarlo Giannini, Gabriel Lo Giudice, Robin Renucci, James D'Arcy, Poppy Gilbert, Alessandro Sperduti, Sergio Albelli
Leonardo moves to Milan, determined to obtain the patronage of the Regent Duke Ludovico Sforza. When reality proves to be less attractive than expected and Leonardo is asked to devote himself to a great theatrical performance instead of a painting, it is a new encounter that helps him to free his imagination, allowing him to see in the theatrical production a great opportunity.
Episode credits
Directed by Daniel PercivalWritten by Gabbie AsherGuest stars Antonio De Matteo, James D'Arcy, Alessandro Sperduti, Andrea Garofalo, Miriam Dalmazio, Carlos Cuevas, Edan Hayhurst, Flavio Parenti
When Ludovico asks Leonardo to create an equestrian statue in honor of his father, it stimulates his ambition even more, and the artist strives to exceed the expectations placed on him. While working on the work, Da Vinci places his trust in a person everyone would judge unreliable: Salaì, a resourceful young thief.
Episode credits
Directed by Daniel PercivalWritten by Steve ThompsonGuest stars Antonio De Matteo, Gabriel Lo Giudice, James D'Arcy, Alessandro Sperduti, Andrea Garofalo, Miriam Dalmazio, Carlos Cuevas, Edan Hayhurst
Following the death of Ludovico's wife, Leonardo is assigned a new commission but struggles to deal with his inner turmoil; after taking on board some wise words from Fr. Luca Pacioli, Leonardo seeks assistance.
Episode credits
Directed by Alexis CahillWritten by Frank SpotnitzGuest stars Antonio De Matteo, Gabriel Lo Giudice, Max Bennett, James D'Arcy, Alessandro Sperduti, Giovanni Scifoni, Anton Alexander, Miriam Dalmazio
Returning to Florence, an uninspired Leonardo accepts to paint the portrait that will become the Mona Lisa; after failing to repair his relationship with Caterina, Leonardo goes to Imola, where he receives much praise from his employer.
Episode credits
Directed by Alexis CahillWritten by Frank SpotnitzGuest stars Max Bennett, Robin Renucci, Corrado Invernizzi, Lorenzo Adorni, Tommaso Basili, Carlos Cuevas, Claudio Castrogiovanni, Francesca Chillemi
Having found Caterina, Leonardo continues his work, but is frustrated by the growing success of a younger artist, Michelangelo Buonarroti. Putting his feelings aside, Leonardo allows himself to be persuaded to accept a new commission.
Episode credits
Directed by Daniel PercivalWritten by Steve ThompsonGuest stars Antonio De Matteo, Robin Renucci, Corrado Invernizzi, Giovanni Scifoni, Luca Grispini, Carlos Cuevas, William Michael Roberts, Maria Vera Ratti
With time running out, Stefano races to save Leonardo and finally discovers the truth behind his biggest kept secret; armed with the facts but lacking the evidence, an unexpected revelation leaves Stefano turning to an unlikely source for help.
Episode credits
Directed by Daniel PercivalWritten by Steve Thompson, Frank SpotnitzGuest stars Antonio De Matteo, James D'Arcy, Poppy Gilbert, Alessandro Sperduti, Giovanni Scifoni, Luca Grispini, Carlos Cuevas, Flavio Parenti
